A group of people stands on a wooden bridge over water, surrounded by greenery, some waving and smiling.

Learning from nature-based livelihoods in the Mekong Delta

A field visit within the “Strong roots, strong women” project

JB, June 2026

At the end of March 2026, staff from the Centre for Social Research and Development (CSRD), together with community representatives and local authorities from Huế, conducted a field visit to the Mekong Delta. The visit took place within the project “Strong roots, strong women” and focused on exchanging with communities that have developed nature-based livelihood approaches, including ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and green, circular economic activities, aimed at generating sustainable income at community level.

Designed as a practice-oriented learning process, the visit aimed to explore how these approaches are implemented in real contexts. Participants visited a range of models across Cà Mau province and Cần Thơ city and engaged directly with farmers, cooperative members and local actors. Discussions centred on how livelihood activities are structured, how natural resources and ecosystem functions are integrated into income-generating activities, and how such systems have evolved in response to environmental and economic challenges.

A group of six people on a wooden platform by a river, surrounded by mangroves, smiling and posing for a photo. — The field trip group discusses nature-based aquaculture and green livelihoods.

Different approaches to organising livelihoods

In Cà Mau province, the Huong Rung eco-agricultural cooperative combines shrimp farming in mangrove ecosystems with local product development and eco-tourism. A central element of the model is the use of the plant Sam Bien, which improves water quality in shrimp ponds. More broadly, the model illustrates how aquaculture activities are embedded in natural coastal dynamics, for example through the use of tidal water flows and locally available resources. Initially introduced as a response to production challenges, this approach was gradually expanded to include herbal products and tourism services, creating multiple, interconnected income streams based on local ecosystem functions.

A group of people wearing hats walks along a wooden path in a mangrove forest. — The group explores the mangrove ecosystem and gains insight into its importance for sustainable livelihoods.

A different model was observed on Con Son island in Cần Thơ city, where livelihoods are organised through a cooperative system linking different household activities. In the case of fish farming, floating cages are used not only for production but also for ecological purposes, such as monitoring water conditions through fish behaviour. This integration of ecological functions into production reflects a nature-based approach, where environmental processes actively support and regulate economic activities. Parts of the system are deliberately dedicated to conservation, even where this reduces short-term income.

A group of people in hats gathers near a wooden structure by a waterway, with fish ponds and greenery visible. — The group visits a fish farm in the Mekong Delta that combines aquaculture, tourism, and local markets.

Beyond aquaculture, households contribute a range of additional activities, including traditional food production, fruit cultivation, and tourism services. Each household specializes in specific products or services, illustrating how diversified, community, passed can emerge through the combination of multiple small-scale actives within a coordinated system.

A group of people in a shaded area by a river, seated at tables, wearing hats and engaged in conversation. — Visitors learn about the cooperative’s local products and income-generating activities, which combine agriculture and tourism.

Key insights for “Strong roots, strong women”

The field visit highlighted different pathways through which livelihood systems are developed and organised in practice. While some models evolve from the expansion of a specific production activity, others rely on linking complementary activities across households. The examples from Huong Rung and Con Son illustrate how both approaches depend on gradual development and the ability to connect individual components into functioning systems.

A wooden platform extends over calm water, surrounded by lush mangrove trees. Several individuals gather on the platform, wearing light-colored hats and casual clothing, engaging with each other and posing for a photo. The atmosphere is cheerful, highlighting a moment of connection with nature. — Participants visit a floating structure in the mangrove area as part of the ecotourism activities.

For the “Strong roots, strong women” project, the visit provided concrete insights for further developing own nature-based livelihood models. Participants emphasised the importance of building on locally available resources and existing knowledge within communities, while strengthening coordination and exchange at community level. These fundamental principles are also upheld in our project: solutions are developed collaboratively within women-led community groups. Ideas and innovations come from the participants. In 2026, various ecosystem-based climate adaptation models will first be further developed in the communities and presented in several contests by the end of the year. Based on these, additional livelihood options will then be developed in the 20 communities.